With races at Ellerslie, Hastings and Riverton this New Year’s Day, you’ve got every opportunity to kick off 2021 the best possible way – trackside!

Ellerslie’s New Year’s Day Races

As Ellerslie puts it themselves, this is an event where no one misses out on the fun. Let the celebrations roll on in The Turf on Champagne. If you’re feeling a little foggy from the night before fear not, you’ll be greeted with a Bloody Mary on arrival to get you ready for the day’s racing. Speaking of racing, catch some of the best of it around, with six black type races on the race card, including the prestigious Group 1 Sistema Railway.

After a quiet one? Pack up a picnic and kick back on the general admission lawn. A ticket will set you back $15 ($20 on the day), with those under 15 enjoying free entry. The junior members will also be treated to a bunch of free children’s entertainment, leaving you to enjoy the day’s festivities.

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Hastings New Year’s Day Races

Celebrate the New Year at this fun-filled day out! Think live music, great racing, and plenty of free activities for the little ones to get stuck into. Put those corporate Christmas hampers to good use and pack up a picnic or sample the local Hawke’s Bay food and wine available on-course.

Whether you’re after an all-inclusive food and beverage package, a reserved picnic table complete with an umbrella (that Hawke’s Bay summer sun can get pretty toasty!) or are keen to kick back in general admission, grab your tickets before it’s too late!

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Riverton New Year’s Day Races

The ultimate spot to get in some family time, there’ll be an array of children’s entertainment to keep the kids occupied (you can promise them a magic show, bumper balls, bouncy castles, even pony rides!), leaving you to kick back and enjoy the racing on offer. Live music from Dene Allen will set the vibe between races and a selection of food trucks will keep you fueled.

Have a tenner handy - that’s what it will take to get general admission at the gate, with children enjoying free entry. What’s more, 50% of admission fees will be donated to Southland Charity Hospital.

Wishing you a fabulous 2021, filled with plenty of raceday memory making! For more summer racing events, head to loveracing.nz/summer.